Kilimanjaro Machame route
6 days Machame route Kilimanjaro hiking | trekking | climbing
$1500-1800 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Machame route also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and travers’s underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Park fees
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Private vehicle and driver
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The first day trekking begins at Machame Gate (1,640 meters). Typically you will drive from the town of Moshi to the Machame gate, which takes approximately an hour. At the Gate you will meet your trekking crew – your guide, porters and cook. You, your guide and climbing team will in the meantime begin the ascent through the stunning rainforest that covers the South-West of the mountain. You will have picnic lunch on the way. The first day trek on the Machame Route is a long one (~11km / 7miles)
Machame camp
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast you will pack your gear and prepare for the trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters). The trek is relatively steep as you enter the low alpine zone which is characterised by moorlands and grasslands. Shira Camp 2 sits on a plateau which provides you with the first views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East. Day two takes approximately 4-6 hours and covers a distance of 5km / 3miles.
Shira camp
Shira Camp-Lava Tower -Barranco
After breakfast trek East off the Shira Plateau through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’, up to Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters and then back down via the Southern Circuit to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters). The route is approximately 11km / 7 miles in length and takes 5-7 hours to complete. Although you end the day at a very similar elevation to when you started from Shira Camp.
Barranco
Barranco- Karanga Camp-Barafu camp
After breakfast our days will begins with a steep traverse up the Barranco Wall; a 257 meter rock face that requires basic scrambling skills to the top of the Karanga Valley. The path then follows a series of inclines and declines to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters). If you are on a six day trek you will stop for lunch at Karanga Camp and then continue on along the Southern Circuit until it joins the Mweka Trail up to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
Barafu camp
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
You will be awoken around 23:30 with hot tea and biscuits. Hopefully you have managed to get a few hours’ sleep; don’t worry if you haven’t as most people struggle to sleep before summit night. Do however make sure that all your kit, including warm clothes, headlamp, insulated water reserves and snacks are ready for a sharp departure at 24:00. The trek up Kibo is steep and slow. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Mweka camp
Mweka Camp-Mweka Gate - Moshi town
In the morning after breakfast you will be trekking down to Mweka gate. The trek is a pleasant one through the lower rain-forested slopes and down to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Although you cover 9km / 5.5 miles, the trek only takes 3-4 hours. Assuming you successfully reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak you will be presented with official certificates – a green certificate for the former and a gold certificate for the latter. then transported back to your hotel in Moshi.
Kilimanjaro White house hotel
Here are the latest 6 tours by Widerange African Safaris. See all 96 tours.
Moshi Materuni Waterfalls
Tour by: Widerange African Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Kilimanjaro hike Marangu Route
Tour by: Widerange African Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Hiking | trekking
Kenya Mara Crossing River
Tour by: Widerange African Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Tanzania Mid Luxury Private
Tour by: Widerange African Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Tanzania luxury private safari
Tour by: Widerange African Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Kilimanjaro hike Lemosho route
Tour by: Widerange African Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Hiking | trekking
Cleanliness of vehicle
Meet and greet team
Quality of itinerary
Responsiveness of staff